Fishing Toy

ABSTRACT

The present invention, provides a fishing toy comprising a had head resembling a fishing lure attached to a sponge resembling an aquatic animal. The sponge is initially compressed and rolled such that it fits inside a dissolving gel capsule or paper pouch encapsulation. During play, the entire bait unit is submerged into water. Once exposed to water, the capsule dissolves, releasing the captive animal-shaped sponge. The increase of weight and drag on the line simulates a live fishing experience. Thereby, as the fishing toy is introduced to water the animal shape is generated from the growth of the bait unit into the uncompressed sponge.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13,708/962, filed Dec. 8, 2012. Both applications are hereby fully incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a fishing toy simulates a real fishing experience.

Conventionally, there has existed a fishing toy comprising a fishing tackle and a toy fish. When the fishing line is wound on a line-winding mechanism of the fishing tackle to the end, the line-winding mechanism will idle to protect the fishing line and the fishing rod. When a switch is switched on, a motor in the toy fish is rotated to drive a swinging mechanism and a linking mechanism, whereby the toy fish can slowly swing and swim in the water with the lower jaw slowly opening and closing. When a magnetic bait attracts and attaches to the bite triggering mechanism, the fish tail and the lower jaw swing more violently so as to create a live effect both when the toy fish is in the water and after it is gaffed. However, the aforementioned toy does not provide a realistic baiting experience simulating the process of attaching a lure to the distal end of a line.

Additionally the success of the aforementioned toy is subject to the physical interaction of the magnetic bait with magnetic trigger mechanism, the chance of which decreases as the area of play increases. This limits such a toy from being used with success in a large body of water such as a pool, lake, or river.

Additionally, there has existed a toy that simulates realistic hatching of a dinosaur from an egg-like storage container. A translucent egg shell includes a series of crack lines, which forms weakened fault lines on the surface of the eggshell. A compressed sponge dinosaur is located within the eggshell. Opening at the ends and/or sides of the eggshell allow water to enter the shell when the egg is placed in hot water of a preferred temperature of 50.degree.-60.degree.C. The water entering the shell, after approximately 5 to 10 minutes, causes the compressed sponge dinosaur to expand and break through the eggshell at random points on the shell, preferably along the molded crack lines of lesser thickness than the remainder of the eggshell. However, a similarly compressed sponge has never been used to simulate the spontaneity of catching a fish on a line.

SUMMARY

It is a primary object of the present invention is to provide a fishing toy that provides realistic fishing simulation in any aqueous environment.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the present invention provides a fishing toy comprising a bait head resembling a fishing lure attached to a sponge resembling an aquatic animal. The sponge is initially compressed and rolled such that it fits inside a dissolving gel capsule. The compressed sponge is attached to the bait head by means of a clasp mechanism that interfaces with a hole in the sponge. A ring on the bait head allows attachment to a hook or line. During play, the entire bait unit is submerged into water. The bait head provides lateral channels that allow fluid entry into the interior of the capsule. Additionally, the capsule has perforations that aid fluid entry. Once exposed to water, the capsule itself dissolves releasing the captive animal-shaped sponge. The sponge is retained on the line via the clasp mechanism. The increase of weight and drag on the line simulate a live fishing experience. Thereby, as the fishing toy is introduced to water the animal shape is generated from the growth of the bait unit into the uncompressed sponge.

An iteration of the embodiment provides a realistic fishing simulation in any aqueous environment and further provides a fishing toy comprising a bait head resembling a fishing lure attached to a sponge resembling an aquatic animal. The sponge is initially compressed and rolled and wrapped in a water soluble paper pouch encapsulation. Water soluble paper can be printed on, and dissolves rapidly in water. The compressed sponge is attached to the bait head by means of a clasp mechanism that interfaces with a hole in the sponge. A metal stud on the bait head allows attachment to a magnetic member engaged with the line. During play, the entire bait unit is submerged into water. The bait head provides lateral channels that allow fluid entry into the interior of the water soluble paper encapsulation. Once exposed to water, the water soluble paper dissolves rapidly, preferably between 3 and 10 seconds, releasing the captive animal-shaped sponge. The sponge is retained on the line via the magnetic engagement mechanism. The increase of weight and drag on the line simulates a live fishing experience. Thereby, as the fishing toy is introduced to water the animal shape is generated from the growth of the bait unit into the uncompressed sponge.

The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification show certain aspects of the instant subject matter and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed embodiments and implementations. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is an assembly view showing a preferred embodiment of fishing toy according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a bait head and a capsule body of a fishing toy shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the progression from a bait head and capsule body shown in FIG. 1 into a bait head and an expanded sponge animal.

FIG. 4 is an assembly view showing an iteration of the embodiment of a fishing toy according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a bait head and a water soluble encasement of a fishing toy shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the progression from a bait bead and a water soluble encasement shown in FIG. 4 into a bait head and an expanded sponge animal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a preferred embodiment of a fishing toy according to the present invention includes a bait head 131, a sponge animal 151, a capsule body 141, a fastening mechanism 122, and a line 111. One end of the bait head 131 terminates in an eyelet 132 allowing for attachment to hook 122. Hook 122 provides an eyelet 121 allowing for attachment to line 111, the distal end of which may be attached to a pole or rod. The opposite end of bait head 131 terminates in a fastening mechanism 134 which provides a direct physical interface with fastening mechanism 143 on capsule body 141. Bait head 131 may be of any diameter such that it interfaces with capsule body 141.

Bait head 131 is also characterized by a fastening mechanism 135 that provides a means of attaching sponge animal 151 at fastening location 152. Sponge animal 151 may be of any size such that it allows for successful attachment to bait head 131. Sponge animal 151 is initially compressed such that the entirety of its volume fits into the interior volume of capsule body 141. Sponge animal 151 shall be of a size such that it in no way interferes with the successful attachment of fastening mechanism 134 on bait head 131 with fastening mechanism 143 on capsule body 141.

When the entire assembly submerged in an aqueous environment, channel 133 on bait head 131 and perforation 142 on capsule body 141 provide a means for water to enter capsule body 141. Capsule body 141 will be composed of a material for which water acts as a dissolving agent, resulting in the total decomposition of capsule body 141 in an aqueous environment. Thus, introduction to such an environment results in the dissolution of capsule body 141, thereby releasing sponge animal 151 from its compressed state. Sponge animal 151 will be composed of a material that absorbs water and in doing so expands to its uncompressed state. This sudden increase in the surface area presented by sponge animal 151 will increase drag and provide realistic weight at the end of line 111, simulating a real fishing experience and providing toys user with the opportunity to collect sponge animal 154.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, an iteration of the embodiment of a fishing to according to the present invention includes a bait head 231, a sponge animal 251, a water soluble paper pouch encapsulation 241, magnetic fastening mechanism 222, and a line 211. One end of the bait had 231 terminates in metal stud 232 allowing for attachment to hook 222. The metal stud may be of a ferritic stainless steel or of a ferrous metal encapsulated in a material that does not corrode in water, such as is thermoplastic or thermal set polymer. Any magnetically attractive material may be employed to achieve the aspect of the metal stud. A magnetic member 222 provides a magnetic means of attachment to the metal stud 232 allowing for attachment to line 211, the distal end of which may be attached to a pole or rod. The opposite end of bait head 231 terminates in an adhesion region 234 which provides a direct physical interface with fastening region 243 of the paper pouch encapsulation 241. Bait head 231 may be of any diameter such that it interfaces with paper pouch encapsulation 241. Any combination of adhesives or mechanical engagement may be used to join the paper pouch encapsulation 241 in the bait head 231.

Sponge animal 251 may be of any size such that it allows for successful attachment to bait head 231. Sponge animal 251 is initially compressed such that the entirety of its volume fits into the interior volume of paper pouch encapsulation 241. Sponge animal 251 shall be of a size such that it in no way interferes with the successful attachment of fastening mechanism 234 on bait head 231 with fastening mechanism 243 on paper pouch encapsulation 241.

When the entire assembly is submerged in an aqueous environment, channel 233 on bait head 231 and surface area of paper pouch encapsulation 241 provides a means for water to enter, and surround paper pouch encapsulation 241, paper pouch encapsulation 241 will be composed of a material for which water acts as a dissolving agent, resulting in rapid and total decomposition of paper pouch encapsulation 241 in an aqueous environment. Thus, introduction to such an environment results in the dissolution of paper pouch encapsulation 241, thereby releasing sponge animal 251 from its compressed state. Sponge animal 251 will be composed of a material that absorbs water and in doing so expands to its uncompressed state. This sudden increase in the surface area presented by sponge animal 251 will increase drag and provide realistic weight at the end of line 211, simulating a real fishing experience and providing toy user with the opportunity to collect sponge animal 251.

Through the above description, it should now become readily apparent how and why the present invention can achieve the object it contemplates. It is also to be understood that the above disclosed embodiment is illustrative but not limited. 

What is claimed:
 1. A fishing toy comprising a bait head, a sponge animal, a capsule body, a hook, and a line.
 2. A fishing toy according to claim 1 wherein said hook provides a means of secure attachment and removal of bait head and secure attachment to a line.
 3. A fishing toy according to claim 1 wherein a capsule body is composed of a material for which water acts as a dissolving agent.
 4. A fishing toy according to claim 3 wherein a sponge animal can be compressed such that it fits within a capsule body.
 5. A fishing toy according to claim 3 wherein a channel on a bait head provides a means by which water can enter an attached capsule body.
 6. A fishing toy according to claim 3 wherein perforations in a capsule body provide a means by which water can enter the capsule Body.
 7. A fishing toy according to claim 1 wherein a sponge animal is composed of a material that absorbs water and in doing so expands from a compressed to an uncompressed state.
 8. A fishing toy according to claim 1 wherein said magnetic member in combination with it magnetically attractive member provides a means of secure attachment and removal of bait head and secure attachment to a line.
 9. A fishing toy according to claim 1 wherein said capsule body is comprised of a water soluble membrane composed of a sheet material for which water acts as a dissolving agent.
 10. A fishing toy according to claim 9 wherein said water soluble membrane dissolves in between 3 and 10 seconds. 